Human Capital

by Stephen Amidon

Stephen Amidon writes too well for his own good: compelled by the seamless narrative of HUMAN CAPITAL one might easily miss all but the wit and pace of a book which is original and fresh throughout.

Amidon is well up to date on today's business and Commerce; higher education and IT; the after effects of 9/11. His high-flyers know it all. Teachers, policemen (and woman),doctors, nurses and estate agents, students, servants, meter-maids, drug-peddlers, pizza-cooks and bar-staff are as alive and vital as the writer (Jon is surely Amidon?). So well understood are his women that were it not for his picture on the back-flap and that bat squeak of the Lady Chatterleys...? But no, it's a man alright! It is simply that his varied and conflicting characters are drawn with a line so perfect as to appear effortless.

While Amidon's beady eye spares us nothing of America's self-regarding wealth or Connecticut’s suburban snobbery, one can but share his affection for his flawed characters and their families. One is led, fascinated, through intrigue and suspense, treachery and devotion, to the very last surprise on the very last page.

Comments

Kate GriffithsI picked this up in an Oxfam book shop because it looked familiar and realise now that you recommended it. I'm loving it and it's going to be my next bookgroup choice.